Water dispenser system

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is disclosed for dispensing water including: a main inlet configured to receive water from a source; a chilled water line, including: an in-line carbonator; a carbonator water inlet valve configured to selectively direct water from the main inlet to the carbonator; a carbonator gas inlet valve configured to selectively direct carbonating gas to the carbonator; and a chilled water line outlet. The apparatus may be integrated in a refrigerator or other major appliance.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application NumberPCT/US2012/043797, filed Jun. 22, 2012, which claims the benefit of eachof U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/500451, 61/500469, 61/500500,61/500440, 61/500461, each filed Jun. 23, 2011, and of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/654487, filed Jun. 1, 2012. The entire contents ofeach of the foregoing applications are incorporated by reference herein.

For the purposes of the United States of America, this application is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/772,641,filed May 3, 2010 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,567,767), the contents of each ofthe foregoing applications are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Numerous types of water dispensers are available, including dispensersfor chilled, unchilled (e.g., room temperature), and heated water. Somewater dispensers dispense carbonated water. Water dispensers can includea reservoir or a pressurized source. Water dispensers may be stand alonedevices, or incorporated into an appliance such as a refrigerator.

Most commercialized devices for carbonating water use carbon dioxidesprayed into a water container: the result obtained with this process isvery poor and the carbonation of water is weak and does not last toolong. In addition, the quality of carbonated water varies as the mixingratio and equilibration time changes. Devices for producing anddispensing carbonated beverages in water dispensing units, instead,typically employ a carbonating tank, called a saturator, and ahigh-pressure water pump. Carbonated water is produced by pressurizingthe saturator tank with carbon dioxide and filling the tank with chilledwater. Due to the high pressures resident in the saturator tank,typically around 70 psi, a relatively expensive high pressure water pumpis required to inject water into the tank. Furthermore, under theconditions in the saturator tank, the carbon dioxide takes time todissolve into to the water and achieve a palatable level ofcarbonization. Accordingly, the saturator is typically large enough tohold a ready supply of carbonated water for dispensing and does notcreate new carbonated water instantaneously on demand. To maintain thissupply, two or more sensors-and associated electronic controls-are usedto start the high pressure pump and inject water into saturator when thelevel of carbonated water in the saturator falls below a set thresholdand then stop the water injection when the tank fills to an appropriatelevel.

These typical carbonization devices take up a relatively large amount ofspace and require expensive and complicated electronic and hydrauliccontrol systems. Due to this complex structure, these devices are noisy,use significant amounts of energy, and require frequent maintenance.Another disadvantage of such system is that the stagnant carbonatedwater in the saturator can deteriorate the materials in the saturatorresulting in unpleasant taste in the carbonated water.

SUMMARY

The applicants have realized that it would be advantageous to provide asystem for dispensing carbonated water featuring an in-line carbonator.Systems of the type described herein provide palatable levels ofcarbonation without the use of a conventional saturator. Accordingly, afeature rich system for dispensing carbonated water and, optionally,non-carbonated (“still”) water, may be provided while maintaining arelatively small form factor. In some embodiments, the system canprovide one or more of chilled (carbonated or still), unchilled (e.g.,room temperature), and heated water.

In one aspect, an apparatus is disclosed for dispensing water including:a main inlet configured to receive water from a source; a chilled waterline, including: an in-line carbonator; a carbonator water inlet valveconfigured to selectively direct water from the main inlet to thecarbonator; a carbonator gas inlet valve configured to selectivelydirect carbonating gas to the carbonator; and a chilled water lineoutlet. The apparatus may also include a heat exchanger configured tochill water passing through the chilled water dispensing line; and acontroller configured to control the carbonator water and gas inletvalves. In some embodiments, when the carbonator water inlet valve isopen and the carbonator gas inlet valve is closed, the chilled waterline dispenses still water at the chilled water line outlet. In someembodiments, when the carbonator water inlet valve is open and thecarbonator gas inlet valve is open, the chilled water line dispensescarbonated water at the chilled water line outlet.

Some embodiments include an unchilled water line including: an unchilledwater inlet valve configured to selectively direct water from the maininlet to an unchilled water line outlet. In some embodiments, theunchilled water inlet valve is controlled by the controller.

Some embodiments include a hot water line including: a hot water inletvalve configured to selectively direct water from the main inlet to ahot water line outlet; a heater which heats water passing through thehot water line; and a hot water line outlet.

In some embodiments, the heat exchanger includes a cooling tankconfigured to receive water from the main inlet; and at least a portionof the chilled water line is immersed in the cooling tank.

In some embodiments, the in-line carbonator is immersed in the coolingtank.

In some embodiments, the chilled water line includes a coil immersed inthe cooling tank.

Some embodiments include: a cooling tank fill sensor in communicationwith the controller and configured to generate information indicative ofa fill level of the cooling tank; and a cooling tank fill valvecontrolled by the controller and configured to selectively direct waterfrom the main inlet to the cooling tank. In some embodiments, thecontroller is configured to control the operation of the cooling tankfill valve based on the information indicative of a fill level of thecooling tank.

Some embodiments include a dispenser nozzle in fluid communication withthe chilled water line outlet, the unchilled water line outlet, and thehot water line outlet.

Some embodiments include a main inlet valve controlled by the controllerand configured to selectively interrupt the flow of water from the inletto the chilled, unchilled, and hot water lines.

In some embodiments, the chilled water line includes a water pumpconfigured to pump water to the carbonator.

In some embodiments, the chilled water line includes a flow compensatorconfigured to receive water from an outlet of the carbonator, modify theflow, and direct the flow towards the chilled water line outlet.

Some embodiments include a carbonator gas source in fluid communicationwith the carbonator gas inlet valve.

In some embodiments, the gas source includes a canister of pressurizedcarbon dioxide.

In some embodiments, substantially the entire apparatus is containedwithin an enclosure.

In some embodiments, the enclosure fits inside a cube having 0.3 m longsides, 0.5 m long sides, or 1.0 m long sides.

In some embodiments, the chilled water dispensing line is configured toreceive water at a temperature of about 20 C or greater, and dispensechilled water at a temperature of about 10 C or less at a flow rate ofabout 25 L/hour or more.

In some embodiments, the chilled water line is configured to receivewater at a temperature of about 20 C or greater, and dispense chilledwater at a temperature of about 10 C or less at a flow rate of about 50L/hour or more.

In some embodiments, the chilled water line is configured to dispensecarbonated water with a carbonation level of at least 2 g/L, at least 5g/L, at least 10 g/L, or at least 15 g/L.

In some embodiments, the carbonator includes: a conduit; an inlet to aflow path on the proximal end of the conduit; one or more dispersionelements arranged within the conduit; a passive accelerator within theconduit; a rigid impact surface immediately downstream of the passiveaccelerator; and a retention network connected to the distal end of theconduit.

In some embodiments, the carbonator includes: a conduit; an inlet fordirecting carbon dioxide and water into the conduit; a rigid surfacewithin the conduit; and a restriction within the conduit foraccelerating the carbon dioxide and water to a speed sufficient suchthat when the carbon dioxide and water collide with the rigid surfacethey create an energy density sufficient to solubilize carbon dioxide inwater.

Some embodiments include a filter.

In some embodiments, the filter is arranged such that all water passingfrom the main inlet to each of the chilled water line, unchilled waterline, and hot water line passes through the filter.

In some embodiments, the heater is configured to heat water in the hotwater line to a temperature of 85 C or more.

In another aspect, a method is disclosed including: providing orobtaining the apparatus of any of the types described above; connectingthe main inlet to a water source; and connecting the carbonator gasinlet valve to a carbon dioxide gas source.

Some embodiments include selectively dispensing chilled still andcarbonated water based on a user selection.

Some embodiments include selectively dispensing chilled still, chilledcarbonated and unchilled water based on a user selection.

In some embodiments, the water source includes a source external to theapparatus.

In some embodiments, the water source includes a source internal to theapparatus.

In some embodiments, the carbon dioxide gas source includes a sourceexternal to the apparatus.

In some embodiments, the carbon dioxide gas source includes a sourceinternal to the apparatus.

In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed for dispensing waterincluding: a main inlet configured to receive water from a water source;and a carbonated water line, including: a carbonator water inlet; acarbonator gas inlet; an in-line carbonator configured to receive waterthough the water inlet and gas through the gas inlet; and a carbonatedwater line outlet.

In some embodiments, substantially the entire apparatus is containedwithin an enclosure.

In some embodiments, the enclosure fits inside a cube having 0.3 m longsides, 0.5 m long sides, or 1.0 m long sides (in other embodiments anysuitable size may be used).

In some embodiments, the chilled water line is configured to dispensecarbonated water with a carbonation level of at least 2 g/L, at least 5g/L, at least 10 g/L, or at least 15 g/L.

In one aspect, an apparatus for dispensing water is disclosed, theapparatus including: a dispenser integrated in a refrigerator, thedispenser including: a main inlet configured to receive water from asource; a chilled water line, including: an in-line carbonator; acarbonator water inlet valve configured to selectively direct water fromthe main inlet to the carbonator; a carbonator gas inlet valveconfigured to selectively direct carbonating gas to the carbonator; anda chilled water line outlet; a heat exchanger configured to chill waterpassing through the chilled water dispensing line; and a controllerconfigured to control the carbonator water and gas inlet valves. In someembodiments, when the carbonator water inlet valve is open and thecarbonator water inlet valve is closed, the chilled water line dispensesstill water at the chilled water line outlet; and when the carbonatorwater inlet valve is open and the carbonator water inlet valve is open,the chilled water line dispenses carbonated water at the chilled waterline outlet.

Some embodiments include: an unchilled water line including: anunchilled water inlet valve configured to selectively direct water fromthe main inlet to an unchilled water line outlet where the unchilledwater inlet valve is controlled by the controller.

Some embodiments include a dispenser nozzle in fluid communication withthe chilled water line outlet.

In some embodiments, the chilled water line includes a water pumpconfigured to pump water to the carbonator.

In some embodiments, the chilled water line includes a flow compensatorconfigured to receive water from an outlet of the carbonator, modify theflow, and direct the flow towards the chilled water line outlet.

Some embodiments include a carbonator gas source in fluid communicationwith the carbonator gas inlet valve.

In some embodiments, the gas source includes a canister of pressurizedcarbon dioxide.

Some embodiments include the refrigerator.

In some embodiments, the dispenser is mounted in a door of therefrigerator.

In some embodiments, water in the chilled water line is cooled using acomponent of a refrigeration system of the refrigerator.

In some embodiments, where the chilled water dispensing line isconfigured to receive water at a temperature of about 20 C or greater,and dispense chilled water at a temperature of about 10 C or less at aflow rate of about 25 L/hour or more, or about 50 L/hour or more, e.g.,in the range of 10-100 L/hour or any subrange thereof.

In some embodiments, chilled water line is configured to dispensecarbonated water with a carbonation level of at least 2 g/L, at least 5g/L, at least 10 g/L, at least 15 g/L, or more, e.g. in the range of0-30 g/L or any subrange thereof.

In some embodiments, the carbonator includes: a conduit; an inlet to aflow path on the proximal end of the conduit; one or more dispersionelements arranged within the conduit; a passive accelerator within theconduit; a rigid impact surface immediately downstream of the passiveaccelerator; and a retention network connected to the distal end of theconduit.

In some embodiments, the carbonator includes: a conduit; an inlet fordirecting carbon dioxide and water into the conduit; a rigid surfacewithin the conduit; and a restriction within the conduit foraccelerating the carbon dioxide and water to a speed sufficient suchthat when the carbon dioxide and water collide with the rigid surfacethey create an energy density sufficient to solubilize carbon dioxide inwater.

Some embodiments include a filter. In some embodiments, the filter isarranged such that all water passing from the main inlet to the chilledwater line passes through the filter.

In another aspect, a method including: providing the apparatus of anyone of claims 1-65; connecting the main inlet to a water source; andconnecting the carbonator gas inlet valve to a carbon dioxide gassource.

Some embodiments include: selectively dispensing chilled still andcarbonated water based on a user selection.

Some embodiment include selectively dispensing chilled still, chilledcarbonated and unchilled water based on a user selection.

Various embodiments may include any of the above described elements,alone or in any suitable combination.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be inany way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments,and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and featureswill become apparent by reference to the following drawings and thedetailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments describedherein and, together with the description, explain these embodiments.Like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout thedifferent views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating the principles of theembodiments.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a water dispenser.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a controller for the waterdispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a water dispenser.

FIG. 4 shows a chart illustrating the valve control states of the waterdispenser of FIG. 1 for various user function selections.

FIG. 5 illustrates an in-line carbonator. The left panel shows a head onview of the carbonator inlet, and the right panel shows a crosssectional side view.

FIG. 6A shows an exploded view of a flow compensator.

FIG. 6B shows an assembled view of a flow compensator.

FIG. 7A shows a top down perspective exploded view of a dispenser nozzledevice.

FIG. 7B shows a bottom up perspective exploded view of a dispensernozzle device.

FIG. 8 is a chart of water input and output temperature as a function ofthe volume of water dispensed by an exemplary dispenser.

FIG. 9 is a chart comparing the carbonation level of carbonated waterdispensed by a dispenser system to that of three conventional carbonatedwater products.

FIG. 10 illustrates gas inlet valve pulse sequences for controllingcarbonation level in a volume of dispensed beverage.

FIG. 11A shows a refrigerator with an integrated carbonated waterdispenser.

FIG. 11B shows a detail of a door panel for the refrigerator of FIG.11A.

FIG. 11C shows a variation of the embodiment of FIGS. 11A and 11B wherethe tank 1103 is located on the rear side of the refrigerator, in closerproximity to the components of the primary refrigeration system of therefrigerator.

FIG. 12A is an illustration of a refrigeration system for arefrigerator.

FIG. 12B is an illustration of the thermodynamic cycle of therefrigeration system of FIG. 12A, superimposed on a temperature entropydiagram from the refrigerant used in the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a water dispenser 100. Thedispenser 100 includes a main inlet 101 which receives water from a mainwater supply 102. The main water supply may be any suitable sourceincluding a reservoir or a pressurized water source. In typicalembodiments, the main water supply 102 is external to the dispenser(e.g., a plumbed water line). However, in some embodiments, thedispenser 100 may include the main water supply (e.g., when dispenser102 includes a water storage tank).

Water from the main inlet 101 is directed through a main inlet valve103. The main inlet valve 103 may be controlled (e.g., opened or closed)by a controller 200 (see FIG. 2). Water from the main inlet valve flowsthrough a filter and is directed to three water dispensing lines: achilled and sparkling water line 105, an unchilled water line 106, and ahot water line 107. In various embodiments, one or more of these linesmay be omitted. In some embodiments additional lines may be included.

The chilled water line 105 includes an in-line carbonator 108. Thein-line carbonator 108 does not require a cumbersome saturation tank asin conventional carbonation system. For example, in some embodiments,the in-line carbonator is, e.g., of the type described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/772,641 filed May 3, 2010 entitled “APPARATUSES,SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EFFICIENT SOLUBILIZATION OF CARBON DIOXIDE INWATER USING HIGH ENERGY IMPACT,” the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference. This reference describes an apparatusthat can be placed in a water line path to create carbonated water fordispensing. The apparatus accepts carbon dioxide and water through aninlet path. From there the flow of carbon dioxide and water are passedthrough one or more dispersion elements arranged within the conduit tocreate a dispersed flow (e.g., an annular dispersed flow). The dispersedflow then passes through a passive accelerator within the conduit,thereby greatly increasing the kinetic energy of the system. Theaccelerated flow is directed to collide with a rigid impact surfaceimmediately downstream of the passive accelerator. This collisioncreates sufficient pressure to solubilize the carbon dioxide into thewater. A retention network is provided at the output of the apparatus tocollect and regulate the flow of carbonated water. An example of asuitable in-line carbonator is described in greater detail below, withreference to FIG. 5.

The chilled water line may include a carbonator water inlet valve 109which is controlled by the controller 200 to selectively allow a flow ofwater from the filter 104 to the carbonator 108. Optionally, the chilledwater line 105 may include a water pump 110, which pumps water to thecarbonator 108 (e.g., at a desired pressure level). The water pump 110may be controlled by the controller 200. The chilled water line mayinclude a coil 111 (e.g., a stainless steel coiled tube) through whichwater passes on the way to the carbonator 108 (e.g., to facilitatechilling of the water prior to entry into the carbonator, as describedbelow).

A carbonator gas inlet valve 112 is controlled by the controller 200 toselectively allow the flow of a carbonating gas (as shown carbondioxide) from a pressurized gas source 113 (e.g., a canister). The gassource 113 may be located within the dispenser 100, or may be locatedexternally.

Referring to FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the carbonation level in adispensed carbonated beverage may be controlled by pulsing the gas inletvalve 112 controlling the flow of gas (as shown, CO₂) to the carbonator.In the example shown, while the carbonator water inlet valve 109 isopen, the gas inlet valve 112 is pulsed between a fully closed and afully open position at a fixed pulse frequency, but variable duty cycle.For a lower carbonation level, a lower duty cycle is used (top frame).For a higher carbonation level, a higher duty cycle is used (lowerframe). As shown, four repetitions of the pulsation are used, but invarious embodiments, any suitable number of repetitions may be used.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, in various embodimentsother suitable pulse schemes may be used to control the carbonationlevel, including variable frequency schemes. In some embodiments, thecarbonation level may by controlled by controlling the gas inlet valve112 to operate in one or more partially open positions.

In embodiments where a fixed volume of carbonated beverage is dispensed(e.g., in response to a single button push), the carbonation level inthe dispensed volume may be controlled by controlling the amount of timeor volume that the gas inlet valve is open during the dispensingoperation. For example, for a higher level of carbonation, the gas inletvalve 112 may be left open during 100% of the dispensing operation,while for a lower level of carbonation, the gas inlet valve may be leftopen during 80% of the dispensing operation.

When the main inlet valve 103, carbonator water inlet valve 109 andcarbonator gas inlet valve 112 are open, water and gas flow to thecarbonator which outputs carbonated water. When the main inlet valve 103and carbonator water inlet valve 109 are open, but carbonator gas inletvalve 112 is closed, only water flows to the carbonator. Accordingly, nocarbonation occurs, and the carbonator outputs chilled still water.

Water output from the carbonator may flow through a flow compensator 115which operates to condition the flow from the carbonator. In some casescarbonation devices produce an outflow of carbonated water that is moreturbulent than desired. The turbulence of the flow may degrade the levelof carbonation or produce a poorly controlled or inconsistent outputflow rate. The compensator may allow for adjustable control of the flowrate through the compensator, the level of carbonation, the turbulenceof the flow, the flow velocity, or other flow properties. Any suitablecompensator may be used, including those described in U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/500,461 incorporated by reference above. Oneexample of a flow compensator is described in detail below, withreference to FIGS. 6A and 6B.

A heat exchanger 114 is provided which cools water flowing through thechilled water line (e.g., through the coil 111). As shown, the heatexchanger 114 includes a cooling tank 116 which is filled with a coolingfluid (as shown, water) in which one or more of the water coil 111,carbonator 108, and flow compensator 115 are immersed. In someembodiments, the cooling fluid in the cooling tank is cooled by arefrigeration system which includes a compressor and condenser (see FIG.3). As will be understood by one skilled in the art, in variousembodiments the carbonator 108, and flow compensator 115 can beinstalled outside of the cooling tank 116.

For example, in one embodiment, a refrigeration cycle of the heatexchanger includes a compressor, evaporator coil, capillary coil, and acondenser with silent fans. In some embodiments, the system is compactbut has high efficiency cooling capacity, which is critical for largedemand applications and to obtain good quality sparkling water. Heatexchange between the drinking water to be dispensed and the heatexchange medium filling the cooling tank 116 is provided by theevaporator coil, which is enclosed in the cooling tank unit of the heatexchanger. As described above, the cooling tank 116 is filled with waterto serve as the cooling medium. The drinking water to be cooled passesthrough a stainless steel coil 111 that is immersed in the coolingmedium. Water flowing through the stainless steel coil is incrementallycooled down to the desired temperature prior to dispensing. In someembodiments, the optimized cooling cycle and the design of the heatexchanger is to provide a high thermal efficiency and a dispensed watertemperature of less than about 10 C.

In various embodiments, any other suitable controlled cooling devicesand techniques may be applied.

In some embodiments, the fill level of the cooling tank 116 may beadjusted by controlling a tank fill valve 117, which selectively allowswater to flow from the main inlet 101 to the cooling tank 116. The tankfill valve 117 may be controlled by the controller 200. In someembodiments, the fill level is controlled automatically. A tank fillsensor (not shown) sends a signal to the controller 200 indicating thefill level of the cooling tank 116. If the fill level drops below athreshold level (e.g., due to evaporation), the fill valve 117 is openedto fill the tank until a desired fill level is reached.

In some embodiments, at least one cold control sensor (not shown) sensesthe temperature of water in the chilled water line or cooling tank andprovides a signal to the controller 200. Based on this signal, thecontroller 200 may control the heat exchanger to provide a desiredchilled water temperature or temperature range (e.g., by turning thecompressor and condenser fans on or off).

Chilled water from the chilled water line 105 flows through a chilledwater line outlet 118 to a dispenser nozzle unit 120 for dispensing.

The unchilled water line 106 includes a unchilled water line inlet valve121 controlled by the controller 200 to selectively allow water to flowfrom the filter 104 to the dispenser nozzle unit 120 to provideunchilled (e.g., room or ambient temperature) water. In variousembodiments, the unchilled water line 106 may also include any suitablewater pumps, filters, flow control devices, etc.

The hot water line 107 includes a hot water line inlet valve 122controlled by the controller 200 to selectively allow water to flow fromthe filter 104 to a hot water tank 123. Water in the tank is heated by aheater (not shown) controlled by the controller 200. One or moretemperature sensors may be provided which provide signals to thecontroller 200 and allow for automatic temperature control for the waterin the hot tank. One or more hot tank fill sensors may sense the filllevel of the hot tank, and provide signals to the controller to allowthe controller to control the hot tank fill level (e.g., by selectivelyopening and closing the hot water line inlet valve 122). Alternatively,the hot tank can be filled by user operation without a hot tank fillsensor or controller such that at steady-state operation the hot tank isalways full.

The hot water tank may include an agitator (e.g., an agitator pump) thatagitates the water in the tank. The agitator may be controlled by thecontroller 200.

Water from the hot water tank 123 is outlet to the dispenser nozzle unit120 for dispensing. In various embodiments, the hot water line 107 mayalso include any suitable water pumps, filters, flow control devices,etc.

The dispenser nozzle unit 120 receives water from the water lines 105,106, and 107 and outputs the water from a single nozzle. In someembodiments, multiple nozzles may be used.

The dispenser nozzle may include a UV light 124 (e.g., a UV light or UVlight emitting diode or “LED”) which illuminates the dispensed water toprovide disinfection. The UV light may be controlled by the controller200.

The dispenser 100 includes a number of controllable valves. In someembodiments, these valves may be solenoid type valves. In variousembodiments, any suitable types of controllable valves known in the artmay be used. In typical embodiments, the valves are controlled by thecontroller 200 (described in detail below). However, in someembodiments, one or more valves are manually controlled.

Referring to FIG. 2, the controller 200 controls various components ofdispenser 100, as described above. In some embodiments, the controller200 is implemented on a control board that includes one mastermicrocontroller, which controls components and connected peripherals ofthe system with the help of other peripheral chips on the control board.

The controller 200 controls the open/closed state of the main inletvalve 103, the carbonator water inlet valve 109, the carbonator gasinlet valve 112, the cooling tank fill valve 117, the unchilled waterline inlet valve 121, and the hot water inlet valve 122. The controller200 further controls the operation state of the heat exchanger 114(e.g., by controlling the compressor and the condenser fans of the heatexchanger to turn on/off), the water pump, the hot water tank (e.g., toturn a heater on/off, control the heating level, turn the agitator pumpon/off, etc.), the UV light 124, etc. The controller 200 may furthercontrol various displays or indicators 201 (e.g., an LED based displayor indicator light). For example, the controller may control LEDindicators 201 that indicate the need to change the filter 104 or that achild safety switch has been activated. Other user interface featuressuch as a LCD can also be added and controlled by the controller 200.

As described above, the controller 200 may receive signals from varioussensors 202 including a cooling tank fill level sensor and a chilledwater line temperature sensor. Other sensor types may include overflowsensors, sensors which monitor the state of one or more components(e.g., the open/closed state of a valve), or any other suitable sensor.

The controller 200 may also receive control signals from one or moreuser interface devices such as pushbutton controllers 203 which may belocated on a front panel of the dispenser (see FIG. 3). When a specificpush-button 203 on the front panel is pressed for water selection,corresponding valve(s) along with main valve opens to dispense thechoice of water. Individual push buttons will dispense unchilled,chilled, and sparkling (carbonated) water. Hot water is dispensed bypressing two hot water switches simultaneously in order to avoidaccidental burns as the hot water is typically kept between 85 to 95° C.FIG. 4 illustrates the valve activation corresponding to various userpush button selections. In some embodiments, software running on thecontroller 200 uses generic priority based round robin with interruptsmethods to execute commands to control the operation of the dispenser100.

Optionally, the power of the hot water system can be turned off to saveenergy. Additional safety measures are taken by incorporating a childsafety switch 205, e.g., located on the back of the unit (or some otherhard to reach location) that deactivates the two hot water push buttonswitches located on the front.

In some embodiments, the controller 200 is powered by a DC power supply206 which is in turn powered by a main AC power supply 207 (e.g.,plugged into a wall socket). Some components of the dispenser 100 may bepowered through the control board, while other components may be powereddirectly from the main power supply (or another supply, e.g., a supplydedicated to a particular component.

In some embodiments, the controller 200 includes a communications unitthat allows remote monitoring and/or control of the dispenser 100. Forexample, in some embodiments, the controller may be able to detect amalfunction of the dispenser 100 and send a message to a remote locationrequesting service.

In some embodiments, the controller 200 monitors the usage of thedispenser 100, e.g., to determine when a new filter is required. Forexample, in some applications, the dispenser 100 may be provided at lowor no cost to a user, in return for an agreement to purchase disposablessuch as replacement filters exclusively from the provider. By monitoringthe usage of the dispenser 100, the controller 200 may be able torecognize if the use has exceeded the specifications of an existingfilter, and indicate the need for a new filter. The usage data may bestored in a secure memory accessible to the provider but not the user,so that the provider can be sure that the user is living up to itsagreement to purchase new filters exclusively from the provider.

In some embodiments, the monitored usage data includes filter life span,dispensing time (i.e., the amount of time that a dispensing function isactivated), dispensed volume, statistical usage data, etc.

Some controller functions such as filter life span monitoring,statistical usage data, timed or volume dispensed functions arecontrolled and dictated by a “Smart Control” peripheral 208. The SmartControl 208 is housed in a USB enclosure and communicates with themaster microcontroller on the control board to keep track of filterusage and store/retrieve additional information. In some embodiments,the Smart Control 208 includes an 8-bit microcontroller and serial toUSB converter on the board. The serial to USB converter convertscommunication logic between master microcontroller of the controller 200and the Smart Control 208. The Smart Control stores (e.g., in a secureand/or encrypted memory) vital operational information and optimizesfunctions on the control board to execute such instructions. Among suchfunctions, filter life span monitoring, statistical usage data, volumedispensing, timed operations of the unit, maintenance and preventiveschedules, troubleshooting and preventive measures in case ofmalfunctioning, can be listed. Such information can be indicated usingLED lights, audible signals, downloadable files, through wirelesscommunications to a server, displayed on a LCD, or similar technologies.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of thedispenser 100. All of the dispenser components, including the gas source113 are contained within a single enclosure 300. The enclosure 300includes a base plate, side and top panels, a front plate (including thecontrol pushbuttons 203 and indicators 201), and a back plate. One sidepanel includes a side door which allows easy user access to the filter104 and gas source 113 for replacement. A side partition separates thefilter 104 and gas source 113 from the rest of the interior of theenclosure, to increase user safety and prevent user tampering. Thefilter 104 and gas source 113 may be attached/detached using easy to usetwist and lock connectors. The gas source 113 may include a flowcontroller and/or pressure indicator which may be used to adjust thesource to proper operating parameters. In some embodiments, the filter104 is enclosed in a disposable filter cartridge of the type describedin U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/500,469 incorporated byreference above.

In general, the enclosure 100 may have an advantageous form factor,e.g., corresponding to a standard appliance sizes or standard cabinetsizes used in kitchens. For example, in some embodiments, the enclosure100 may have a size corresponding to one of the following standardappliance sizes.

Appliance Height Range Width Range Depth Range Cooktop 2-3″ 12-48″18-22″ Dishwasher 33-35″ 23-24″ 23-26″ Microwave 13-18″ 21-23″ 14-22″Range, floor model 35-36″ 19-40″ 24-26″ Range, w/ upper oven 61-68″30-40″ 25-28″ Range, drop-in 23-24″ 23-24″ 22-25″ Range hood 5-8″ 24-72″12-72″ Refrigerator 55-69″ 24-36″ 26-33″ Trash Compactor 33-35″ 12-15″18-24″ Wall oven, single 23-25″ 21-24″ 21-23″ Wall oven, double 39-50″21-24″ 21-23″ Wall oven with broiler 38-40″ 21-24″ 21-23″

In some embodiments, the enclosure fits within a cube having a sidelength of 5 meters or less, 4 meters or less, 3 meters or less, 2 metersor less, 1 meter or less, 0.5 meters or less, 0.25 meters or less, orsmaller, e.g., in the range of 0.25 meters-5 meters or any sub-rangethereof.

The controller 200 may be located at any suitable position within theenclosure, and may be connected to various components of the dispenser100 using wired or wireless connections.

An exemplary embodiment of carbonator 108 is shown in FIG. 5. The carbondioxide and water are brought into contact via a Y-shaped inlet manifold400 having two inlets, one for a carbon dioxide supply the other for awater supply. In this embodiment, the two inlets are identical andinterchangeable. The manifold used to introduce the carbon dioxide andwater into the collision chamber can be of any other suitablearrangement, for example, T-shaped or F-shaped. As a further example,the supplies could be provided by a concentric tube within a tubestructure. The Y-shaped manifold, or other shapes depending on theirneed, could also include an initial divider to prevent one stream goinginto the other supplies' inlet. Furthermore, standard backflowpreventers can also be used within the inlets or upstream of the inlets.Furthermore, the flow of water and carbon dioxide can also be controlledby valves or regulators at the entrance of the manifold.

The incoming water pressure (e.g., controlled by pump 110) affects theflow and pressure through the remainder of the system. A minimumpressure of 10 psi is sufficient to achieve a satisfactory flow rate andcarbonation. A flow rate in the range of 0.1 gpm to 1.5 gpm has beenfound to be particularly advantageous, but even higher flow rates arealso acceptable.

The carbon dioxide is provided at a pressure between 45 psi and 125 psi.Preferably, the carbon dioxide pressure provided at the Y-shaped inletmanifold is kept close to the water pressure provided at the Y-inletmanifold.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, flow developers 420 are provided within theflow path after the inlet manifold. The flow developers are used inorder to prevent a stratified, or laminar, carbon dioxide/water flow.Instead, the flow developers create a substantially dispersed flow,typically an annular-dispersed flow. The embodiment of FIG. 5 usespassive flow developers comprised of helically shaped elements 420.Other passive directional mixers capable of dispersing the carbondioxide and water flow would also be suitable, such as protrusions fromthe conduit wall. Alternatively, active mixers, such as spinning bladescan be used. As shown in FIG. 5, the flow developing elements 420 can bearranged in series to achieve the desired level of dispersion. The flowdeveloping elements can similarly be used in combinations of differenttypes, including mixed passive and active elements.

The dispersed stream of carbon dioxide/water is then accelerated byforcing it through a restrictor/accelerator 430. As is well known in theart, passing a fluid flow through a restriction will result in anaccelerated flow, which arises due to the principle of massconservation. The restrictor/accelerator is used to easily increase thekinetic energy of the carbon dioxide/water stream prior to thecollision. Thus, for a given inlet speed and pressure, the energy of thecarbon dioxide/water flow exiting the restrictor/accelerator will beincreased without requiring an expensive pumping apparatus. Theincreased kinetic energy results in a higher momentum change upon impactwith the collision surface 450, thereby increasing the pressure achievedin the corresponding pressure zone, which results in improvedsolubilization at the collision site. The restrictor/accelerator 430 isa simple orifice. However, more complex engineered structures can alsobe employed.

It has been observed that acceptable solubilization in accordance withthis disclosure is achieved with a sudden contraction or a convergingrestriction when it is designed to have a loss coefficient between 0.1to 0.44, preferably about 0.41. For a sharp-edged orifice such asrestrictor/accelerator 430 in FIG. 5, acceptable solubilization occurswith a loss coefficient larger than 10, preferably 60.

In addition, the size of the restrictions can be varied to achieve highquality carbonated water. The ratio of the inlet radius to thecontracted area radius is optimally designed to be in the range between1 (no restriction) and 20 (max restriction);

In the very neighborhood of the moving streamlines of carbon dioxidesurrounded by water passing the restrictions, each stream acquires acertain amount of momentum and related kinetic energy. Thesestreamlines, in turn, impart some of its momentum to the adjacent layerof solution causing it to remain in motion and accelerate further in theflow direction. The momentum flux, in this case, is in the direction ofthe negative velocity gradient. In other words, the momentum tends to goin the direction of decreasing velocity; thus the velocity gradient canbe considered as the driving force for momentum transport.

When the carbon dioxide/water mixture is flowing through the narrowpassage (example: the orifice) parallel to the surfaces, the velocity ofthe mixture in the flow direction decreases as approached to thesurfaces. This velocity difference between the adjacent layers of thecarbon dioxide and water results in a velocity gradient. By randomdiffusion of molecules occurring between faster moving layers ofmolecules and the slower adjacent layer, the momentum is transferred inthe transverse direction within the narrow passage from the faster tothe slower moving layer.

After leaving the restrictor/accelerator 430 the accelerated stream ofcarbon dioxide/water mixture, having reached a much higher kineticenergy, collides with stationary solid wall 450.

The solid wall 450 can be of any shape or structure, preferably the wallis placed perpendicular to the carbon dioxide/water stream. The wallshould be placed sufficiently close to the restrictor accelerator sothat the increased kinetic energy achieved is not substantially lost dueto frictional forces prior to reaching the wall 450. It has been foundthat acceptable results are achieved if the solid wall 450 is placedfrom approximately 0.1 inches and 2.0 inches from therestrictor/accelerator, preferably 0.5 inches.

Net forces generated through the collisions with the wall, i.e., thepressure energy densities (“PED”) in the pressure zone, between a rangeof −40 foot-pound/cm³ to 5 footpound/cm³ have been found to produceacceptable solubilization. These forces can be created through adjustingthe relative relationships of the geometries of therestrictor/accelerator, the conduit, the level of mixture achieved, andthe starting pressure of the inlet carbon dioxide and water streams.

The wall 450 further has outlet passages 455 to allow the further flowthrough the system. As shown in FIG. 4 this further connects to theinlet of retention network 460. The retention network can simply be aplain conduit. Retention network 460 of FIG. 5 is comprised of statichelical mixers 465. Other types of packing materials, such as raschigrings, could also be used. Further, any of the static or active mixingelements described as suitable for creating a dispersed flow could beput to use in the retention network to further enhance contact andsolubilization of carbon dioxide in water.

The length and configuration of the retention network and the size ofthe packing materials within the retention network can be modified toobtain different levels of carbonation to dispense carbonated water withdifferent levels of solubilization. Generally, longer retentionnetworks, preferably up to 10 inches, raise the carbonization level byallowing more time for mixing contact between the carbon dioxide andwater in the fluid stream. Longer retention networks also increase thepressure at the outlet passages of the collision chamber 455, whichincreases the pressure within the collision chamber and stabilizes theentire flow rate.

The length and composition of the retention network can also be used toobtain a desired pressure at the outlet of the retention network. Ingeneral, the pressure drop achieved through the retention network isdirectly proportional to the ratio between the length and the diameter(“L/D”). Therefore, one can achieve similar pressure drops, flow andmixing characteristics by changing either the length or the diameter orboth of the retention network. Packing materials also affect thepressure drop obtained. Generally, smaller size packing materials andlonger retention networks increase the pressure drop.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the flowcompensator 115. FIG. 6A is an exploded view and FIG. 6B is an assembledview. The flow compensator 115 includes a housing 1201 and an insertmember 1202. The housing 1201 includes an inlet port 1203 and an outletport 1204. As shown, the inlet and outlet ports 1203, 1204 include quickconnect stem portions to facilitate connections with external devices(e.g., a connection between the output of carbonator 108 and the inletport 1203). Alternatively, threaded portions can be used. In variousembodiments any other type of (preferable fluid tight) connectors may beused.

A conduit 1205 extends through the housing 1201 between the inlet port1203 and the outlet port 1204. When assembled, a portion of insert 1202is positioned in the conduit 1205. The insert 1202 acts to seal theconduit 1205 such that a flow of carbonated water into the inlet port1202 flows through the conduit along the insert 1202 and is outputthrough the outlet port 1204.

The flow compensator 115 includes a facility 1206 for adjusting theposition of the insert 1202 inside the conduit 1205. As shown, thefacility 1206 is made up of a threaded attachment between an end of theinsert 1202 and a corresponding threaded hole in the housing 1201. Theend of the insert 1202 includes a notch that allows the insert 1202 tobe turned (e.g., using a screw driver) to advance or retract the insert1202 into or out of the conduit 1205. In various embodiments, any othertype of adjustable attachment may be used. The facility 1206 allows foradjustment of one or more properties (e.g., flow rate, turbulence, etc.)of the regulated flow output from the outlet port 1204. The facility1206 may allow for adjustment of the position of the insert 1202 whilemaintaining the fluid tight seal between the insert and housing. Forexample, as shown two O-rings 1211 (e.g., made of an elastomericmaterial such as rubber material) on the insert 1202 form a slidableseal between the insert and the housing.

As shown the conduit 1205 extends along a longitudinal axis (indicatedwith a dotted line) from a proximal end near the inlet port 1203 to adistal end near the outlet port 1204. The conduit 1205 includes atubular passage 1207 disposed about and extending from the inlet port1203 along this longitudinal axis to a back wall formed by when theinsert 1202 is attached to the housing 1201. The outlet port 1204 ispositioned distal from and transverse to (as show at a right angle to)the inlet port 1203. The outlet port 1204 is in fluid communication withthe tubular passage 1207.

When assembled, the insert 1202 extends along the longitudinal axis froma proximal end located within the conduit 1205, to a distal end thatextends outside of the housing 1201. The insert 1202 includes a taperedportion 1209 that is narrower towards the proximal end of the insert(i.e., the end of the insert facing the inlet port 1201) and widertowards the distal end of the insert. The conduit 1205 may include acorrespondingly tapered shaped portion 1210, such that conduit andinsert cooperate to form a narrow conical channel. This conical channelhas a cross sectional area (taken along the direction transverse to thelongitudinal axis) which is smaller than the cross sectional area of theportion of the conduit 1205 adjacent the inlet port. In someembodiments, the cross sectional area may be reduced by a factor of 2,3, 4, 5, 10, 100, etc or any other desirable amount. By adjusting theposition of the insert 1202 using facility 1206, the cross sectionalarea of the conical channel can be varied to control the rate of flowthrough the compensator and/or other flow properties.

The surface of the tapered portion 1209 and the surface of thecorrespondingly shaped portion 1210 of the conduit 1205 may be smooth.As described in greater detail below, this smooth narrow channelpromotes laminar flow through the compensator 115, thereby reducing theturbulence of the flow.

The surface of cylindrical portion 1220 includes alternating ribs 1701and channels 1702 extending in a direction along the longitudinal axis.The depth of the channels 1702 increases with increasing distance fromthe tapered portion 1209 of the insert 1202 to a maximum depth, and thendecreases. Accordingly, the cylindrical portion 1220 has an hourglassshape with a waist having a minimum diameter from the longitudinal axis.The ribs 1701 separate adjacent channels 1702.

The ribs 1701 and channels 1702 operate to decrease the magnitude of thevelocity of the flow through the channels 1702. This slowing may providea longer contact time and a larger contact surface area between thecarbon dioxide and water in the flow resulting in a better carbonationlevel and a stabilized flow. In various embodiments, the local magnitudeof the flow velocity through the channels 1702 at their deepest pointwill be less than 50%, 25%, 10%, etc. of the velocity of the flow as itenters the channels. In general, deeper channels will have a moredramatic slowing effect.

The channels 1702 further operate to reduce the turbulence of the flow(i.e., providing a laminar flow) and maintain a consistent pressure. Forexample, in some embodiments, the flow through the channels 1702 along asignificant portion (e.g., at least 50%, at least 60% and least 70% atleast 80%, at least 90% or more) of the cylindrical section 1220 of theinsert 1202 may be characterized by a Reynolds number of 2500 or less,2000 or less, 1500 or less, 1000 or less, 500 or less, or even smaller.The pressure for the corresponding flow along the corresponding portionof the insert 1202 may vary by less than e.g., 25%, 10%, 5%, 1%, or lessthan the average pressure. This type of flow advantageously prevents theseparation of carbon dioxide and water, thereby helping to maintain thelevel of carbonation.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show exploded views of an exemplary embodiment of thedispenser nozzle unit 120. The dispenser nozzle includes three inlets701 a, 701 b, and 701 c which receive water from the hot, chilled, andunchilled water lines, respectively. In some embodiments, the nozzleunit 120 includes additional inlets, e.g., to allow flavor content(e.g., a flavored syrup) to be mixed with the water flow.

The inlet water passes through a check valve 702 which prevents backflow into an interior chamber 703 of the nozzle unit 120. The chambermay be shaped to allow the expansion of the flow from the inlets, tocontrol the flow rate and to reduce spattering and interrupted flow.Water exits the chamber 703 through a nozzle 705 (e.g., a convergingnozzle). The chamber 703 may include one or more vapor exhaust ports toallow gas or vapor displaced by the inflow of water to exit the chamber.The converging nozzle may include a check valve similar to 702.

In some embodiments, the nozzle unit 120 includes a holder for the UVlight which directs light onto the water flow stream to disinfect orotherwise clean the water. When ultraviolet energy is absorbed by thereproductive mechanisms of bacteria and viruses in the water, thegenetic material or the organisms (DNA/RNA) is rearranged and they canno longer reproduce, reducing or eliminating the risk of disease.UV-rays are energy-rich electromagnetic rays that are found in thenatural spectrum of the sunlight. They are in the range of the invisibleshort wave light having a wavelength ranging from 100 to 400 nm. The UVlight may provide UV doses in the range of, e.g., 1000-500,000 microwattseconds per square centimeter, or any suitable subrange thereof. Suchdoses have been recognized as effective for reducing or eliminatingwater born contaminates.

In some embodiments, the nozzle unit 120 includes a facility 706 (asshown a twist and lock connector with an O-ring groove) which allows forattachment of one or more peripheral devices. The peripheral device mayinclude a device for mixing flavor content with the dispensed waterstream, e.g., as described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/500,500, incorporated by reference above.

In various embodiments, nozzle unit 120 may include any of the devicesdescribed in Provisional Patent Application No. 61/500,440 incorporatedby reference above.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show an embodiment of the dispenser 100 of the typedescribed herein integrated in a refrigerator 1100. The refrigerator maybe of any type known in the art. As shown, the refrigerator is in a sideby side configurations with two doors. The water dispenser 100 isintegrated in the left side door, with components of the dispensercontained in a compartment 1101.

The components of the dispenser 100 are substantially similar to thosedescribed above with respect to a stand-alone dispenser. As shown, theunchilled and heated water lines are omitted, but, in other embodiments,it one or both may be included.

Water from the main inlet 101 is directed through a main inlet valve103. The main inlet valve 103 may be controlled (e.g., opened or closed)by a controller 200 (e.g. of the type shown in FIG. 2). Water from themain inlet valve flows through a filter (not shown) and is directed to achilled and sparkling water line 105.

A carbonator water inlet valve 109 is controlled by the controller 200to selectively allow a flow of water from the filter to the carbonator108. Optionally, the chilled water line 105 may include a water pump110, which pumps water to the carbonator 108 (e.g., at a desiredpressure level). The water pump 110 may be controlled by the controller200. In other embodiments, the desired pressure level may be provided byany other suitable arrangement, including the use of a gravity feed orusing pressure from an external source (e.g., the pressure of thebuilding plumbing connected to the main inlet).

The chilled water line may include a tank 1103 surrounded by a coolantline 1104 used to chill the water. In some embodiments, the coolant line1104 may be a component of the main cooling system of the refrigerator1100, as described in greater detail below.

A carbonator gas inlet valve 112 is controlled by the controller 200 toselectively allow the flow of a carbonating gas (as shown carbondioxide) from a pressurized gas source 113 (e.g., a canister with aregulator, as shown). The gas source 113 may be located within therefrigerator 1100 (as shown), or may be located externally. Someembodiments may include a regulator or pump to control the pressure ofthe carbonating gas delivered to the carbonator. 108.

When the main inlet valve 103, carbonator water inlet valve 109 andcarbonator gas inlet valve 112 are open, water and gas flow to thecarbonator that outputs carbonated water. When the main inlet valve 103and carbonator water inlet valve 109 are open, but carbonator gas inletvalve 112 is closed, only water flows to the carbonator. Accordingly, nocarbonation occurs, and the carbonator outputs chilled still water.

Water output from the carbonator may flow through a flow compensator 115that operates to condition the flow from the carbonator, as described indetail above.

The dispenser nozzle unit 120 receives water from the water line 105 andoutputs the water from a single nozzle. In some embodiments, multiplenozzles may be used. The door includes a dispensing area 1105 where abeverage receptacle 1108 (e.g. a cup, bottle, glass, etc.) can be placedto receive a beverage dispensed from the dispenser nozzle 120.

The controller 200 may receive control signals from one or more userinterface devices such as pushbutton controllers 1106 which may belocated on a front panel of the refrigerator. When a specificpush-button 1106 on the front panel is pressed for water selection,corresponding valve(s) along with main valve opens to dispense thechoice of water. Individual push buttons will dispense chilled still andchilled sparkling (carbonated) water.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the dispenser 100 inthe refrigerator 1100 may include any of the components or featuresdescribed above with respect to stand-alone dispensers.

As will be understood by once skilled in the art, variations on theabove described refrigerator integrated dispenser system are possible.For example, FIG. 11C shows a variation of the embodiment of FIGS. 11Aand 11B where the tank 1103 is located not in the door, but on a side ofthe refrigerator, in closer proximity to the components of the primaryrefrigeration system of the refrigerator. As described below, thisconfiguration is convenient when the primary refrigeration system isused to cool water in the tank 1103 used by the dispenser 100. Inparticular, it removes the need for running tubing from the main body ofthe refrigerator to the door. In other embodiments, the tank 1103 may bepositioned in the door, with chilling of the dispensed wateraccomplished through heat transfer (e.g., convective heat transfer) witha freezer compartment of the refrigerator.

As noted above, in some embodiments, water in the dispenser 100 may becooled using a component of the main cooling system of the refrigerator1100. For example, FIG. 12A shows an exemplary embodiment of avapor-compression cooling system 1200 for the refrigerator. Thevapor-compression system 1200 uses a circulating liquid refrigerant (ofany type known in the art) as the medium that absorbs and removes heatfrom the space to be cooled (the interior of the refrigerator 1100) andsubsequently rejects that heat elsewhere (the external environment).

As shown, the system 2000 is a single-stage vapor-compression systemincluding a compressor 2001, a condenser 2002, a thermal expansion valve2003 (e.g., a capillary tube expansion valve), and an evaporator 2004.

FIG. 12B shows the thermodynamic cycle of the system 2000 superimposedon a temperature entropy diagram for the refrigerant fluid. The solidline shows the cycle for the system in the absence of the dispenser 100.The dotted line shows a modification of the cycle to accommodate coolingof water in the dispenser 100.

Circulating refrigerant enters the compressor 2001 in the thermodynamicstate known as a saturated vapor and is compressed to a higher pressure,resulting in a higher temperature as well (process 1-2). The hot,compressed vapor is then in the thermodynamic state known as asuperheated vapor. That hot vapor is routed through the condenser 2002where it is cooled and condensed into a liquid, e.g., by flowing througha coil or tubes with cool water, air, or other fluid flowing across thecoil or tubes (process 2-3-4).

The condensed liquid refrigerant, in the thermodynamic state known as asaturated liquid, is next routed through the expansion valve 2003 whereit undergoes an abrupt reduction in pressure (process 4-5). Thatpressure reduction results in the adiabatic flash evaporation of a partof the liquid refrigerant. The auto-refrigeration effect of theadiabatic flash evaporation lowers the temperature of the liquid andvapor refrigerant mixture to where it is colder than the temperature ofthe enclosed space to be refrigerated (typically colder than thefreezing point of water).

The cold mixture is then routed through the coil or tubes in theevaporator 2004. A fan circulates the warm air in the enclosed spaceacross the coil or tubes carrying the cold refrigerant liquid and vapormixture. That warm air evaporates the liquid part of the coldrefrigerant mixture. At the same time, the circulating air is cooled andthus lowers the temperature of the enclosed space to the desiredtemperature (isothermal process 5-1). The evaporator is where thecirculating refrigerant absorbs and removes heat that is subsequentlyrejected in the condenser and transferred elsewhere by the water or airused in the condenser.

To complete the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant vapor from theevaporator is again a saturated vapor and is routed back into thecompressor 2001. Conventionally, the refrigerant vapor to the compressor2001 is at a temperature lower than the freezing point of water, and somay be too cold for use in chilling the water dispensed by the dispenser100. However, indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 12B, the cycle canbe modified (e.g., by extending the length of the evaporator tubing)such that the temperature of the refrigerant at the input to thecompressor is at a desired temperature (e.g. around or above thefreezing point of water). That is, the isothermal process 5-1 may beextended to include a non-isothermal process 1-1′ that brings thetemperature of the refrigerant to the desired temperature. Therefrigerant at the desired temperature may then be used to chill thewater in the dispenser 100, e.g., by winding the refrigerant line goinginto the compressor around the water tank 1104, as show in FIGS. 11A,11B, and 11C.

It is to be understood that the above described refrigeration scheme isonly one of many possible configurations. In various embodiments, asrefrigeration scheme known in the art may be used (e.g., schemesfeaturing a cascaded refrigeration cycle, thermoelectric refrigeration,etc.). In various embodiments, the system 2000 may be used to cool thewater in the dispenser using any suitable technique known in the art.For example, in various embodiments where the system 1200 uses acirculating refrigerant, refrigerant at a suitable temperature from anypoint of the cycle may be used to cool the water of the dispenser 100.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, in various embodiments,the dispenser 100 may be integrated in other types of appliancesincluding: ice makers, freezers, coffee makers, flavored beveragedispensers, etc.

In various embodiments, the dispenser advantageously dispenses chilledcarbonated water at a desirable flow rate and carbonation level. In someembodiments, the chilled water dispensing line is configured to receivewater at a temperature of about 20 C or greater, and dispense chilledwater at a temperature of about 10 C or less at a flow rate of about 10L/hour or more, 25 L/hour or more, 50 L/hour or more, e.g. in the rangeof 1-200 L/hour or any subrange thereof. For example, as shown in FIG.8, in one embodiment, dispensed water temperature remains around 10° C.while dispensing about 60 liters in one hour, for a dispense rate of 60L/hour.

Another important performance characteristic is the quality ofcarbonation achieved. FIG. 9 shows the normalized carbonation levelstested and compared to carbonated water products available in the market(A, B, and C). Absolute carbonation levels were obtained using acarbonation tester Model T-03-567 (Terriss Consolidated Industries,Inc.). Values were normalized using a maximum absolute carbonation levelof 3.7. As can be seen in FIG. 9, the carbonation level achieved usingthe dispenser 100 produces higher quality carbonated water without theneed for a saturator tank or other cumbersome equipment. In someembodiments, the carbonation level (in grams of carbon dioxide per literof water, measured at a temperature of 10 C) is 2 g/L or more, 5 g/L ormore, 10 g/L or more, 15 g/L or more, 20 g/L or more, e.g., in the rangeof 1-20 g/L or any suitable subrange thereof.

The components described above may be made of any suitable material. Insome embodiments, one or more of the components are formed from orinclude a plastic (e.g., a thermoplastic) or polymer material (e.g.,PFTE, PV, PU, nylon, etc.), a metal (e.g., copper, bronze, iron, steel,stainless steel, etc.), a composite, etc. The components may befabricated using any suitable technique including, e.g., molding (e.g.,injection molding), machining (e.g., using one or more computernumerical controlled “CNC” tools such as a mill or lathe), etc.

Any suitable connection may be used to provide fluid communicationbetween various components. The connections may be permanent (e.g.,glued) or detachable (e.g., using threaded connections). Any threadedconnections may be national pipe thread tapered thread (NPT) or nationalpipe thread tapered thread fuel (NPTF) standard connections. In someembodiments, the threaded connections provide leak proof fittingsmechanically, without the need for Teflon thread tape or similarapplications.

The examples described above are presented with reference to providing adispenser for a flow of carbonated water. However, as will be understoodby one skilled in the art, the devices and techniques described hereinmay be applied to dispensing any suitable fluid flow, including anysuitable mixed flow of liquid and gas.

The above-described systems and methods (including controller 200) canbe implemented in digital electronic circuitry, in computer hardware,firmware, and/or software. The implementation can be as a computerprogram product (i.e., a computer program tangibly embodied in aninformation carrier). The implementation can, for example, be in amachine-readable storage device, for execution by, or to control theoperation of, data processing apparatus. The implementation can, forexample, be a programmable processor, a computer, and/or multiplecomputers.

A computer program can be written in any form of programming language,including compiled and/or interpreted languages, and the computerprogram can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone programor as a subroutine, element, and/or other unit suitable for use in acomputing environment. A computer program can be deployed to be executedon one computer or on multiple computers at one site.

Method steps can be performed by one or more programmable processorsexecuting a computer program to perform functions of the invention byoperating on input data and generating output. Method steps can also beperformed by and an apparatus can be implemented as special purposelogic circuitry. The circuitry can, for example, be a FPGA (fieldprogrammable gate array) and/or an ASIC (application specific integratedcircuit). Modules, subroutines, and software agents can refer toportions of the computer program, the processor, the special circuitry,software, and/or hardware that implement that functionality.

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, byway of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, andany one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, aprocessor receives instructions and data from a read-only memory or arandom access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are aprocessor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices forstoring instructions and data. Generally, a computer can include, can beoperatively coupled to receive data from and/or transfer data to one ormore mass storage devices for storing data (e.g., magnetic,magneto-optical disks, optical disks, or solid state devices/memories).

Data transmission and instructions can also occur over a communicationsnetwork. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer programinstructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory,including by way of example semiconductor memory devices. Theinformation carriers can, for example, be EPROM, EEPROM, flash memorydevices, magnetic disks, internal hard disks, removable disks,magneto-optical disks, CD-ROM, and/or DVD-ROM disks. The processor andthe memory can be supplemented by, and/or incorporated in specialpurpose logic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a viewer, the above described techniquescan be implemented on a computer having a display device. The displaydevice can, for example, be a cathode ray tube (CRT) and/or a liquidcrystal display (LCD) monitor. The interaction with a viewer can, forexample, be a display of information to the viewer and a keyboard and apointing device (e.g., a mouse or a trackball) by which the viewer canprovide input to the computer (e.g., interact with a viewer interfaceelement). Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interactionwith a viewer. Other devices can, for example, be feedback provided tothe viewer in any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback,auditory feedback, or tactile feedback). Input from the viewer can, forexample, be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, and/ortactile input.

The above described techniques can be implemented in a distributedcomputing system that includes a back-end component. The back-endcomponent can, for example, be a data server, a middleware component,and/or an application server. The above described techniques can beimplemented in a distributing computing system that includes a front-endcomponent. The front-end component can, for example, be a clientcomputer having a graphical viewer interface, a Web browser throughwhich a viewer can interact with an example implementation, and/or othergraphical viewer interfaces for a transmitting device. The components ofthe system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital datacommunication (e.g., a communication network). Examples of communicationnetworks include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN),a personal area network (PAM), the Internet, wired networks, and/orwireless networks.

The system can include clients and servers. A client and a server aregenerally remote from each other and typically interact through acommunication network. The relationship of client and server arises byvirtue of computer programs running on the respective computers andhaving a client-server relationship to each other.

The communication network can include, for example, a packet-basednetwork and/or a circuit-based network. Packet-based networks caninclude, for example, the Internet, a carrier internet protocol (IP)network (e.g., local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), campusarea network (CAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), home area network(HAN)), a private IP network, an IP private branch exchange (IPBX), awireless network (e.g., radio access network (RAN), 802.11 network,802.16 network, general packet radio service (GPRS) network, HiperLAN),and/or other packet-based networks. Circuit-based networks can include,for example, the public switched telephone network (PSTN), a privatebranch exchange (PBX), a wireless network (e.g., Zigbee, bluetooth, timedivision multiple access (TDMA) network, global system for mobilecommunications (GSM) network), and/or other circuit-based networks.

The communication device can include, for example, a computer, acomputer with a browser device, a telephone, an IP phone, a mobiledevice (e.g., cellular phone, personal digital assistant (PDA) device,laptop computer, electronic mail device), and/or other type ofcommunication device. The browser device includes, for example, acomputer (e.g., desktop computer, laptop computer) with a world wide webbrowser (e.g., Microsoft® Internet Explorer® available from MicrosoftCorporation, Mozilla® Firefox available from Mozilla Corporation). Themobile computing device includes, for example, a personal digitalassistant (PDA).

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of theappended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such anintent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations.

However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply thatthe introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or“an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claimrecitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even whenthe same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “atleast one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or“an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one ormore”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used tointroduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number ofan introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled inthe art will recognize that such recitation should typically beinterpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the barerecitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typicallymeans at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a constructionis intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understandthe convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C”would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone,C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general sucha construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one ofA, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).

It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually anydisjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms,whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood tocontemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either ofthe terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will beunderstood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

The foregoing description of illustrative embodiments has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and of description. It is not intended tobe exhaustive or limiting with respect to the precise form disclosed,and modifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosed embodiments.It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claimsappended hereto and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for dispensing water comprising: amain inlet configured to receive water from a source; a chilled waterline, comprising: an in-line carbonator; a carbonator water inlet valveconfigured to selectively direct water from the main inlet to thecarbonator; a carbonator gas inlet valve configured to selectivelydirect carbonating gas to the carbonator; and a chilled water lineoutlet; a heat exchanger configured to chill water passing through thechilled water dispensing line, wherein the heat exchanger comprises acooling tank configured to receive water from the main inlet and atleast a portion of the chilled water line is immersed in the coolingtank; a controller configured to control the carbonator water and gasinlet valves; a cooling tank fill sensor in communication with thecontroller and configured to generate information indicative of a filllevel of the cooling tank; and a cooling tank fill valve controlled bythe controller and configured to selectively direct water from the maininlet to the cooling tank; wherein: when the carbonator water inletvalve is open and the carbonator gas inlet valve is closed, the chilledwater line dispenses still water at the chilled water line outlet; whenthe carbonator water inlet valve is open and the carbonator gas inletvalve is open, the chilled water line dispenses carbonated water at thechilled water line outlet; and the controller is configured to controlthe operation of the cooling tank fill valve based on the informationindicative of a fill level of the cooling tank.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising: an unchilled water line comprising: anunchilled water inlet valve configured to selectively direct water fromthe main inlet to an unchilled water line outlet; wherein the unchilledwater inlet valve is controlled by the controller.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising: a hot water line comprising: a hot waterinlet valve configured to selectively direct water from the main inletto a hot water line outlet; a heater which heats water passing throughthe hot water line; and a hot water line outlet.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the in-line carbonator is immersed in the cooling tank.5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chilled water line comprises acoil immersed in the cooling tank.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3,comprising a dispenser nozzle in fluid communication with the chilledwater line outlet, the unchilled water line outlet, and the hot waterline outlet.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chilled water linecomprises a water pump configured to pump water to the carbonator. 8.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chilled water line comprises aflow compensator configured to receive water from an outlet of thecarbonator, modify the flow, and direct the flow towards the chilledwater line outlet.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the carbonatorcomprises: a conduit; an inlet to a flow path on the proximal end of theconduit; one or more dispersion elements arranged within the conduit; apassive accelerator within the conduit; a rigid impact surfaceimmediately downstream of the passive accelerator; and a retentionnetwork connected to the distal end of the conduit.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the carbonator comprises: a conduit; an inlet fordirecting carbon dioxide and water into the conduit; a rigid surfacewithin the conduit; and a restriction within the conduit foraccelerating the carbon dioxide and water to a speed sufficient suchthat when the carbon dioxide and water collide with the rigid surfacethey create an energy density sufficient to solubilize carbon dioxide inwater.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a filter. 12.The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the filter is arranged such that allwater passing from the main inlet to each of the chilled water line,unchilled water line, and hot water line passes through the filter. 13.The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the heater is configured to heat waterin the hot water line to a temperature of 85 C or more.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to modulatethe state of the gas inlet valve while the apparatus is dispensingcarbonated water to adjust a carbonation level of the dispensedcarbonated water.
 15. An apparatus for dispensing water comprising: adispenser integrated in a refrigerator, the dispenser comprising: a maininlet configured to receive water from a source; a chilled water line,comprising: an in-line carbonator; a carbonator water inlet valveconfigured to selectively direct water from the main inlet to thecarbonator; a carbonator gas inlet valve configured to selectivelydirect carbonating gas to the carbonator; and a chilled water lineoutlet; a heat exchanger configured to chill water passing through thechilled water dispensing line, wherein the heat exchanger comprises acooling tank configured to receive water from the main inlet and atleast a portion of the chilled water line is immersed in the coolingtank; a controller configured to control the carbonator water and gasinlet valves; a cooling tank fill sensor in communication with thecontroller and configured to generate information indicative of a filllevel of the cooling tank; and a cooling tank fill valve controlled bythe controller and configured to selectively direct water from the maininlet to the cooling tank; wherein: when the carbonator water inletvalve is open and the carbonator gas inlet valve is closed, the chilledwater line dispenses still water at the chilled water line outlet; whenthe carbonator water inlet valve is open and the carbonator gas inletvalve is open, the chilled water line dispenses carbonated water at thechilled water line outlet; and the controller is configured to controlthe operation of the cooling tank fill valve based on the informationindicative of a fill level of the cooling tank.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 15, further comprising: an unchilled water line comprising: anunchilled water inlet valve configured to selectively direct water fromthe main inlet to an unchilled water line outlet; wherein the unchilledwater inlet valve is controlled by the controller.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 15, further comprising a dispenser nozzle in fluid communicationwith the chilled water line outlet.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15,wherein the chilled water line comprises a water pump configured to pumpwater to the carbonator.
 19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein thechilled water line comprises a flow compensator configured to receivewater from an outlet of the carbonator, modify the flow, and direct theflow towards the chilled water line outlet.
 20. The apparatus of claim15, further comprising the refrigerator.
 21. The apparatus of claim 15,wherein the dispenser is mounted in a door of the refrigerator.
 22. Theapparatus of claim 15, wherein water in the chilled water line is cooledusing a component of a refrigeration system of the refrigerator.